A Familiar Star (Romance Mystery) (2 page)

She quickly raced outside to find Mr. Gibbons when a tall, thin man appeared in the doorway carrying a box.

"Oh!  Are you a friend of Mr. Gibbons?"  Kylie asked.

"No, but I think that's him over there," the man pointed to Frank, Lucy's husband.

Kylie looked confused.  "No, that’s not him."  Then suddenly, it hit her.  "Who are you?  And why are you carrying a box inside?"

The man seemed annoyed.  "Who are you Lady, and when are you going to get your stuff out of here?"

"Out of here?"  She stared at him with a puzzled look.

The man lightened his tone when he saw how frazzled she was.  "Look, I'm a friend of Max, and I just want to help him unpack, so I can have a beer and sit by the lake.  Now is that so complicated?"  His eyes meandered down to her breasts.

Kylies head began to spin.  The heat she had longed for, now made breathing difficult and thinking impossible.

"I just bought this place, and I'm moving in."  She spoke, not really knowing what she was saying.

The tall man raised his eyebrows and leaned back against the door.  "All right lady, now I think I'm the one that's confused."

The front of the house was a disaster.  Max probably had as many friends as Kylie did, and they were all carrying boxes inside.

"There’s Max."  The tall man pointed to another tall, well-built man who was immersed in the back of the van.

Kylie came up behind him.  "What in the hell are you doing?"  She snapped, not wanting to sound too bitchy, but unable to restrain her annoyance.

The man turned slowly then paused.

"Max!"  His friend hollered.  "This woman claims she just bought this place, and is moving in.  Gibbons isn't here moving his stuff out, it's all her stuff in there, and you should see the place!"

Kylie gave Max a look as if to say, it's your turn to explain, but Max just stood there.

"Excuse me, but I would really like some sort of explanation."  Her voice was slightly shaky.  "Everything is getting all mixed up in there.  You must be at the wrong house.  So, if you could please have your people stop unpacking before it gets any worse, we could help you get your things back in the truck."

He should have been irritated or at least mildly annoyed with what was happening here, but all Max Shepherd could do was gaze down at her with an attractive grin on his face.  She was so damn beautiful; it was difficult paying attention to what she was saying.

Lucy joined them a moment later, and at a hundred miles an hour, started reporting the confusion and arguments that where going on inside the house.

"Do you see what’s happening?"  Kylie gave him a look then saw him check her up and down.  Her face flushed, she quickly crossed her arms over her chest and changed her stance.

Realizing that he'd made her uncomfortable; he stepped down from the truck and put out his hand.

"Hi, I'm Max."

"I'm aware of that."  Kylie sounded slightly sarcastic but didn't care.

"Who are you?"  Max interjected.

"I'm Kylie Lawrence.  Can you please tell me what’s going on?"

"I think I need some questions answered myself."  Max looked serious now.

Kylie relaxed her stance, and felt relieved that he was finally communicating with her.  "Your friend tells me this is your house."

"That's right."

"Well it can't be because I just bought this place."  Her voice was quivering again.

"Relax, we’ll figure it out." He said calmly.

Relax, Kylie thought, that’s exactly what she wanted to do.

Max took a couple of steps then turned.  "I purchased the house directly from Mr. Gibbons.  All the paper work was checked by a notary."  He stared at her intensely.

"I bought the place from Mr. Gibbons privately also!"  Kylie held on to what remained of her calm.

"Well there's definitely been a mix up."  Lucy added her two cents.

Kylie lifted her shoulders in a dainty shrug then turned her full attention to him.  "We’ve got to figure this out."

"Don’t worry; we'll clear it up eventually."  Max announced, then headed for the house.  "I'll call my lawyer in town and see if he can come up."

Max was entirely too nonchalant for her.  She looked at Frank who instinctively knew what she wanted.

"I'll call Wayne.  You should gather all your legal papers together," Frank suggested.

"Good idea."  Kylie agreed, and then headed inside.

An hour had passed and Kylie was still looking through her boxes for the papers.

"Where are they?"  She muttered a frustrated plea.

"I see you have everything tagged.  That's a good system, practical.  I should have thought of that."  Max winked, as he walked past Kylie who was crouched on the floor.

"It
is
a good system.  It’s just that my friends switched a few of the boxes around, I think."  She bit her bottom lip and frowned.

"Don't worry about it Kylie.  Why don't you go join your friends for a swim?  It’s a beautiful day, go and unwind a bit."  He suggested.

Kylie had no idea what was going through this man’s mind.  His indifference was making her nervous, and his teasing was making her want to scream.

"Are you implying that I'm…"

"Wound up so tight that you may take off into outer space.  Yes."  He smiled.

"Thanks a lot."

"I'm just trying to help."  He chuckled.

"Well don't.  And just what are you doing bringing in more boxes?"  She stood up to face him.

"These are your boxes.  The last of them actually."

“Oh,” she grinned apologetically.  "Thanks."

"No problem.  We've already unloaded all of my stuff."  Once again, Max flashed his pearly white teeth at her, and Kylie was caught off guard.

"You can't stay here!"  She cried out.

"Why not?"

That was a good question, but she couldn’t think of a good answer.  All she knew is that she had no intention of letting this man move into her house.

"You plan on living
here
, with me?"

Max raised an eyebrow.  She couldn’t be serious.  He wanted to pick her up, kiss her, and throttle her at the same time, and he didn’t even know her.

"And what do you expect me to do, sleep in the van until this thing has been cleared up?"  He challenged.

"I don't care where you sleep, but you’re not sleeping here.”

“And why not?”

Kylie was thinking hard to come up with a good answer.  “Well.  I barely know you.  We certainly can't stay here alone together!"  She tried to sound severe.

"Ha!"  Max laughed out loud.

"What's so funny?"  She asked

"Well, the puritan act, I’m not sure if it suits you."  He teased, then turned his back to her and smiled, trying hard to concentrate on the documents in front of him.

"I believe you've just insulted me, but that's ok!"  Kylie walked out onto the porch and let the door smack shut behind her.  He's impossible, he really is, she thought.  She grabbed the rail to steady herself.  He’s annoying, exasperating, and not funny at all.  He may think he’s funny, but he’s not.  She shook her head.

Standing up, he looked out onto the porch and studied her.  The sun was shining on her long auburn hair as the wind gently swept it back.  She was wearing tight faded blue jeans with a tear, that let some skin peek through, and a little white tank top that showed off her pearly white shoulders and her extremely tiny waist.  She was breathtaking.  How could such a beautiful girl be so full of spit and vinegar?

Kylie relaxed as the warm wind gently soothed her skin.  She leaned on the rail and breathed in the fresh mountain air.  Their friends were swimming together in the lake.  They were all getting along so well, why couldn't she?

She turned her head to look back at the house and saw him staring at her.  Her head flew back, and she flinched when her neck cricked in protest.  Damn that hurts, she cursed under her breath.  Well it served her right.  He was probably trying to be nice, and she was being stubborn, uncooperative and just plain old nasty.  She didn’t have to like him, that was for sure, but, she supposed she should try getting along with him if she had to live with him for a while.

Living with a man she didn’t even know; a devilishly handsome man, that couldn't be denied, but looks aren’t everything.  She needed someone with strong morals and he was no doubt a ladies man.  Oh, why was she even thinking about him like that?  It should be against the law to make men like that.  They're good for nothing but looking at, she mused, then turned around again but he was gone.

She felt bad, she came here to change but she was still the uptight girl she’d always been.  What she needed was a chance to unwind and relax.  She just needed some time to think.

Lucy came rushing up from the lake out of breath, cell phone in hand and water dripping from her hair.

"What is it?  You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I have some bad news!"  Lucy caught her breath.

"Well, I have some bad news too, but go ahead."

"No, you first, my news may leave you speechless."

“What is it?”

“No, you go.”  Lucy panted.

"All right, well you’re not going to believe this but Max thinks we’re going to live here, together, until we can get this whole thing cleared up!"

Lucy had a very serious look on her face.  She looked at Kylie then out at the lake.

"What is it Lucy?"

"I think that's a really good idea."

"How can you say that?  This is my house!"

"I know it is Kylie but…."  She hesitated.
"There's been another murder."

Their Lawyers arrived late in the afternoon.  They were in agreement
, that all documents from both sides were officially correct, and that this was an absolute case of fraud.  How Mr. Gibbons got away with it was questionable, but the blame would fall heavily on the notaries involved.  An investigation would have to begin as soon as possible.  For now the house legally belonged to both of them.

This didn't sit well with Kylie.  She spent a long while contemplating
, and longer still, promising herself she would be patient with Max.  He had as much right to be here as she did, even if she hated the idea.

The news Lucy gave her of the murders that t
ook place around the lake, however, was preoccupying her thoughts more than her present situation.  She couldn't believe that her sister didn't tell her about it sooner.

"Kylie!
I'm leaving!" Lucy shouted from downstairs.

"I'll come down.
" Kylie answered, descending the oak staircase off the upstairs balcony.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay?"  Lucy was concerned for her sister but didn't want to show it.  S
he had a good feeling about Max, but knew Kylie would probably drive him crazy before she realized he was on her side.

"Please Luc, go home.  You don't live that far from here, if I need you
, I'll call."

"Ok
ay, but I just want to say one more thing.  Max seems like a nice guy, so give him a break Kylie.  It's not his fault this whole thing happened, and maybe in some strange way it was even meant to be.  He also seems to love this house as much as you do, plus he's really quite nice to look at."  She whispered the last part, and smiled mischievously at her sister.

Kylie couldn't help but laugh.  Lucy wasn't one to
keep her thoughts to herself.  Besides she was right, Max was extremely handsome.

"
You know Lucy I haven't noticed." Kylie lied.

"Well then sis
, I do believe you've been living with Mom and Dad for too long.  It’s time you indulge in a little indecency."

"Lucy! Have you flipped?"
Kylie declared with a laugh.

Frank walked past them and rolled his eyes.  He was glad to see the two sisters enjoying th
emselves despite the day they'd had but had to keep up his gruff exterior.  Lucy was the only one who knew the facade that Frank threw on. Perhaps it was the business he was in, or maybe it was just so he wouldn't have to deal with the world. Lucy continually told Kylie how gentle and caring Frank was, but Kylie had trouble believing it.

"What
is it with your husband today?  He’s seems grumpier than usual.  He's almost in a worst mood then I am."  Kylie rapped her fingers on a box.

"He thinks he might have to take on the murder investigation."

"Your kidding, that's great!  At least we'll know what's going on firsthand."

"You know Frank can't disclose any information about the case he's working on."

"That's not true Lucy, you've told me about different cases that Frank's worked on before."

"Yes
, but that's after the case was closed."

"Well this time you owe me.  I can't believe you heard about two of the murders and never told me." 

"I'm sorry Ky, I didn't want you to get worried." Lucy's eyes pleaded for forgiveness.

"Worried?
  No, that wouldn’t be good.  It’s better to let me buy a house in the middle of a chainsaw massacre!"

"It’s not a chainsaw massacre Kylie.
  Do you have to be so dramatic?"

Kyl
ie fell silent for a moment then raised defiant eyes. "No, your right Lucy, it’s not, but I’m not too far off am I?" She stared at her sister and lifted her brow.  Her expression was defiant, but the look in her eyes said she was frightened.

Lucy tried to change the mood. 
"Well, that's why God sent Max."  She smiled. "He even let you have the master bedroom upstairs.  That was really nice of him, and it’ll be safer up there."  She frowned and shook her head.  “I didn’t mean that…last thing.”  Lucy didn't want to get Kylie scared again.

"Perfect
, I'll just buy a Doberman and live in my room. Then I’ll rent a body guard to take him out to do his business." Kylie was clearly being sarcastic and wasn't ready to let Lucy forget that she knew about the murders and didn't tell her.

Frank heard wh
at was going on and interjected.  "Lucy only knew about the murders after you already purchased the place Kylie."  He came to his wife's defense.

"Yes, but did you Frank?"  Kylie asked.

Without answering, Frank past by her.

"Well?"  Kylie said, following
him to the front door.

"We thought it was just the one murder Kylie, I'm sorry.  We didn't real
ize it might be a serial killer."  He let out a sigh. "You really should come and stay with us until we catch this guy."

Kylie really wanted to
, but then Max would have the place to himself and might get used to it.  No way was she going to let him feel like it was his home.  She was going to get him out, one way or another.

"No Frank
, I'll be all right. There’s a pet shop on Main Street."  She forced out a tiny laugh then turned away.  The joke she tried to make failed and she knew it.

Max came in carrying a couple of bags of groceries just as Lucy and Frank were leaving.

"Bye Max.  Take care of my sister for me, won’t you?" Lucy asked.

"Sure, I'll try Lucy.  It was nice meeting you both."

Kylie was stunned by her sister’s statement.  Did she have to be so nice to him?  Can’t she remember that he’s the enemy?

Max held back a
smile when he saw the look on Kylie's face.  He’d never met a woman who couldn’t hide her feelings until now.

The door closed behind Lucy
, and Kylie found herself standing in the foyer alone with Max.

He paused
then continued on into the kitchen.  “I bought some groceries.” He placed the grocery bags down on the counter, than glanced over at her.  Her eyes were ice blue in color, and this time he had trouble reading the expression on her face. But when he looked down, he saw her hands wriggling together.  Well, this was a change, he thought, seeing her a little unsure but trying to hide it.

"Do you want to help me unpack these?
I bought this food for the both of us, that way you'll know where things are."

"U
m, that was nice of you, thanks." Kylie nodded and took a jar of pickles from him. "I'll just put these here."

She placed the jar in the pantry and when she turned around Max was behind her reaching for the spice rack.
She bumped into him and made him drop his bottle.

"Sorry."

"It's okay, I'm a little clumsy." Max returned.

“No, it was my fault.”  She remained cool, watching hi
m out of the corner of her eye.

Max was a handsome man indeed.  Kylie took a deep breath in an attempt to stop the nervousness that was creeping up inside her.  She didn't understand why she was so uneasy with him.  It wasn't like she had never been alone with a man before.

"Well you did a great job in the living room cleaning up, its actually quite cozy."

Max had taken both their furniture and arranged it very well.

"Are you a decorator or something?" Kylie bit her lip hoping that statement didn't sound to probing.

"No I'm not.
I'm an astronomer.  I study stars," he said, "by the way do I look like a decorator to you?"

"Um, no, no you don't really," she blushe
d.  “You look like an astronomer.”

"Well good."  H
e said with a wink, and handed her a box of pasta.             

Kylie could hardly concentrate on where to put it.  She noticed the muscles through his t-shirt and felt her face flush.
"I'm sorry. The decorator thing was a complement," she stammered.

"Thanks."  H
e answered amused and changed the subject. "I meant to ask you.  Is it okay if I use the terrace off your room?  I'll use the door from the balcony I shouldn't bother you."

"Use it, w
hen?” Kylie asked.

"Some
nights." Max motioned to the boxes by the door.  "I study stars remember, Astronomer.  That's why I bought this place. It’s so dark here at night, it’s the perfect place to observe the sky.  Also the room under it, that you call your studio, was supposed to be my office.  I'll have to share it with you," he explained.

K
ylie stood across from him.  He could see her body getting rigid and her posture straightening.  She stared at him but didn't answer.  Oh boy, here it comes, he thought.  He almost burst out laughing, half from amusement, half from frustration.

"Kylie it could be months before they clear this thing up.  In the meanti
me, I suggest that we get along.”  Max paused and expected a response.  When her sarcastic smile was all he got, he added, "Lamb chops with Rosemary."

"I beg your pardon?"
She was caught off guard.

"For
dinner, that's what I'm making."  He struggled to hold onto his temper. "You will join me won't you? I'm not only a decorator but a chef as well."  He forced a weak smile.

Kylie didn't know what to say.  She felt like she was going to cry.  It was her house and he was in it, decorating and cooking
, and spying outside her room.  Now he wanted her studio.  This was just too much.  She turned to the window and said in a slow even tone.

"In truth, I think your being extremely generous
, and I'm trying to be as nice as I can, but there is no damn way you're using my studio."  She whirled around, reluctant to meet his gaze, then added, “Oh, and I don't eat lamb."  With that, she hurried up the stairs without looking back.

Max let out a sigh.
She was very polite for someone who wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. In fact, he was surprised she hadn't left with her sister. The girl had spunk, yet, at the same time she was way too sensitive. He felt bad that she was so miserable.  But he purchased the house same as her, and he had no damn intention of leaving.

Kylie hung up the rest of her clothes and folded away what went into the drawers.  She really loved this room.  I
t had a large walk-in closet and an en-suite with a sunken bathtub. The tub faced a window that looked out onto the lake.

The bedroom itself was cozy but elegant.
The carpet was plush cream and the walls were cream as well, with a high, vaulted, pine post and beam ceiling like the great room downstairs.  The back wall had a row of floor to ceiling windows that displayed the spectacular view of the lake.  Kylie couldn’t stop herself from looking out the window. She watched as the sun that had flooded into the room by day, transformed into a dazzling sunset, with a brilliant show of colors.

Kylie fastened the long flowing curtains she’d bought
in town then she sized things up. Nestled in the corner was a small stone fireplace, and up against the back wall was her queen size bed.  She sat down and admired her handiwork, all that was left was to hang the curtains on the patio doors that led to the terrace, the very same terrace Max wanted to use; she reminded herself.

Kylie took a bath
, and then began to dress.  She hated to go back downstairs and face him, but she was getting hungry, maybe there was a nice restaurant in town, and she could slip past him and not be seen.

He probably
thought that she’d acted like a child taking a tantrum, but that was the simplest way to explain how she felt. She was supposed to be on her own, wild and free, and now there seemed to be no way out again. She was stuck. Stuck in a situation, that could take months to change. Knowing there wasn’t anything to do but make the best of it; she decided she would apologize to him in the morning.

She threw on a short white cotton dress and sandals, pinned her hair up with a white ribbon and looked in the mirror.  She l
ooked extremely sexy, she thought. What would Max think, she wondered? Oh, what did she care, maybe he had a girlfriend or even a fiancé.  She would definitely have to find out, just for curiosity sake, she told herself, but not tonight. Tonight she wanted nothing to do with him.

She left her room and locked the door behind her.  When she got downstairs the whole house was dark except for a glow that was coming from the great room.  She also noticed a lovely aroma in the air that smelled like Italian food.
It made her mouth water.  She turned the corner to take a look and see what was going on.  The French doors were wide open to the deck, and her antique pine table was set with wine glasses and candles a glow.

"Hi.
I've been waiting for you. You look beautiful."  Max said from the sofa behind her.